MWRRC Funding Year 2017 Announcement (104B – State program)

Proposals for FY 2017 Maryland Water Resources Research Center funds are now being solicited. Note: As of Nov. 17, 2016, our Federal funding — through the the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Department of the Interior — has not yet been committed, but we expect support at or near that of past years.

The Center will consider proposals in three categories.


Traditional Research Projects

Any topic related to water resources in Maryland will be considered. Cooperative programs involving U.S. Geological Survey personnel are encouraged (Click here for list of personnel in the USGS Water Center for MD/DE/DC). All proposals submitted to the MWRRC will receive external peer review.

It is expected that the total MWRRC contribution will be $16,000 to $35,000. Non-federal matching funds are required in the ratio of 2:1 Matching:MWRRC. Indirect costs are not allowed on the project, but waived indirect costs can be used as matching funds. Prospective PIs are encouraged to contact the Center director if they have questions about matching funds.

These proposals must be fully executed by the institutional office of research. All proposals must be filed on the NIWR web site (www.niwr.net) by January 4, 2017, 11:59 p.m. Those that are selected for funding by the MWRRC will be forwarded to the USGS.

Research proposals are submitted electronically on the NIWR website. Instructions for proposal preparation, tailored to the MWRRC, are available in PDF form (provisional 2017 Request For Proposals). Worksheet templates are available in MS Word form.


Seed Grants

Seed grants range from $3,000 to $6,000. This program solicits proposals aimed at developing exploratory projects, with the deliverable being a major proposal for submission to another agency. Funds are to be used for preliminary experiments or for faculty release time.

Non-federal matching funds are required in the ratio of 2:1 Matching:MWRRC. Indirect costs are not allowed on the project, but waived indirect costs can be used as matching funds. These proposals must be fully executed by the institutional office of research. All proposals must be filed on the NIWR web site (www.niwr.net) by January 4, 2017, 11:59 p.m. Those that are selected for funding by the MWRRC will be forwarded to the USGS.

Research proposals are submitted electronically on the NIWR website. Instructions for proposal preparation, tailored to the MWRRC, are available in PDF form (provisional 2017 Request For Proposals). Worksheet templates are available in MS Word form.


Summer Graduate Fellowships

The MWRRC is interested in interacting with a broad spectrum of students conducting research relevant to the State’s water resources. As a step toward accomplishing this goal, the Center accepts proposals for Graduate Research Fellowships of $6,000 each for Summer 2017.  All areas related to water resources research will be considered. Student Advisors are expected to arrange matching funds (2:1 Matching:MWRRC) for the fellowship awards.  Normally, the fellowship is paid directly to the student, and fringe benefits are not included. Awards are made competitively.

Follow this link for Details on Summer Graduate Fellowships.


 For further information, contact Dr. Kaye Brubaker kbru<at>umd.edu

The number of projects supported in each category will depend on the quality of the proposed work, response to specific research areas of interest, and availability of funds.

Due Date:  January 4, 2017, 11:59 p.m.